Have seldom weighed my pack. One of the times I did my total carry weight was 26 lb. including a 7 1/4 lb. rifle and a quart of water. I seldom carry water in the PNW but it was a long ways without a water source. That was for a 3 day/2 night deer hunt in sub-alpine in the North Cascades near the Canadian border.
Have carried some heavy packs on fun alpine lakes fishing forays, with lots of great food and cooking gear, and no meat to pack out.
The more serious the hunt the lighter weight I try to go: minimal tarp, minimal pad and minimal or no sleeping bag, no stove nor pot if only for a day or two. But I'm getting too old for backpack hunting, and you men are all way ahead of me with newer and better gear. I live your hunts with you through your stories.
